I’m thankful for my 6-year-old granddaughter, who experienced a heart attack last Thanksgiving and was diagnosed with a tumor on her heart, which was malignant.

If only I could have half her strength. I can’t describe it. I mean, she makes me a better person. I feel kindness toward other people. She makes me realize what life is really about. Especially when people get mad about nothing.

I manage a restaurant, and sometimes when people tell me, “I had to wait five minutes for my food.” I think, “You should be so lucky.”

She’s been through three open-heart surgeries and a number of other procedures. She’s been fed through her stomach. She’s an inspiration to me and everyone around her. She has a great outlook on life and she takes one day at a time.

I can’t tell you how many days she’s spent in the hospital. Right now, she’s going through chemotherapy, one full year of treatment, and I just thank God that she’s strong and still with us all.